Mac & Cheese Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Mac & Cheese Casserole Recipe

• Creamy & Cheesy: Loaded with a rich cheese sauce that makes every bite irresistibly creamy.
• Crispy Topping: The casserole is topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, adding texture and crunch to the dish.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it an excellent option for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
• Great for Leftovers: Mac & Cheese Casserole is just as delicious reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Key Ingredients for Mac & Cheese Casserole

1. Elbow Macaroni

• Elbow macaroni is the classic pasta choice for mac and cheese, but you can use other shapes like shells or penne for a twist.

2. Cheddar Cheese

• Sharp cheddar gives the casserole a rich, tangy flavor. For best results, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded.

3. Milk & Heavy Cream

• A combination of milk and heavy cream creates a rich and creamy cheese sauce.

4. Butter

• Butter adds richness to the sauce and helps create the roux, which thickens the cheese sauce.

5. Flour

• Flour is used to make a roux with the butter, forming the base of the creamy cheese sauce.

6. Breadcrumbs

• Panko or regular breadcrumbs are mixed with butter and sprinkled on top of the casserole for a crunchy golden topping.

How to Make Mac & Cheese Casserole

Here’s how to make this delicious, cheesy casserole:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly golden (this is your roux).
• Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess), 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

• In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir to coat the breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

• Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

• Bake the mac and cheese casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish!

Tips for Making the Best Mac & Cheese Casserole

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

• Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, and you want to avoid mushy pasta.

2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese

• Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest sauce, grate your own cheese.

3. Add More Cheese

• For an extra cheesy casserole, add more cheese on top of the pasta before adding the breadcrumb topping.

4. Make It Creamier

• For a richer sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or substitute half-and-half for the milk.

5. Customize the Topping

• If you prefer, you can top the casserole with crushed Ritz crackers, crumbled bacon, or even extra shredded cheese instead of breadcrumbs.

Recipe Variations

1. Bacon Mac & Cheese Casserole

• Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce for a smoky, savory twist. You can also sprinkle extra bacon on top of the breadcrumbs before baking.

2. Lobster Mac & Cheese

• Add cooked lobster meat to the macaroni and cheese for an indulgent, seafood-inspired version.

3. Broccoli Mac & Cheese

• Mix in steamed broccoli florets for a cheesy pasta casserole with a healthy veggie boost.

4. Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

• Stir in shredded cooked chicken and a splash of buffalo sauce to give the mac and cheese a spicy, tangy kick.

5. Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese

• Use a combination of different cheeses like gouda, Monterey jack, Parmesan, and cheddar for a complex, rich flavor profile.

FAQs: Mac & Cheese Casserole

1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

• Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. When baking, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I Freeze Mac & Cheese Casserole?

• Yes, mac and cheese casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

4. What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?

• If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, crumbled chips, or panko for the topping.

5. Can I Use Different Cheeses?

• Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor